Modeling of submicron trackwidth inductive write head designs

Three dimensional finite element models have been utilized to simulate two proposed inductive write element designs in the merged inductive write/magnetoresistive (MR) read heads, and the results have been compared with the conventional design. A new "raised throat" design was found to reduce the side write band by about 50%, which is the most favored approach for achieving submicron trackwidth recording among the head designs considered. A so called "pinched gap" head design was found to increase the side write band while decreasing head efficiency, thus was deemed unfavorable. It is concluded that the raised throat design can be adopted for ultra-high density recording.